If you thought the last couple weeks were quiet, then you certainly won’t like the month of August.
The NHL off season is here whether we like it or not. In July, at least there’s free agency to look forward to. In September, training camps are starting up and the annual rookie camp is there to help pass the time. August on the other hand…well August doesn’t have a whole lot to offer hockey fans.
In Ottawa, fans are clinging to the hope that maybe the much talked about mystery deal is still in the works. For what it’s worth, I’m not hearing much of anything on that front. Ottawa is comfortably within their internally set budget right now so I really don’t expect anything big. A trade is still possible but like most moves involving the Ottawa Senators, it would have to be a money in/money out situation. Not really the type of deal teams in cap trouble are looking to make.
Yet as quiet as things figure to be in the Nation’s Capital over the month or so, there’s still four unrestricted free agents to be that will need new contracts and as we heard from Assistant General Manager Pierre Dorion last week, those conversations are underway. Let’s take a closer look at those four UFAs with a little “What I want, what I’ve heard, what I predict”.
Craig Anderson
What I Want- I honestly don’t think a new contract for Craig Anderson makes a whole lot of sense. Robin Lehner has been the starting goalie of the future for three seasons now and looks close to being ready to take over the number one spot. I get that the Senators like the idea of having two capable goalies but Anderson won’t come cheap and will certainly command more than what Lehner is making. For a budget team, having a starting goalie as cheap as Lehner will be for the next three years could be a huge advantage. Anderson could also bring back a decent return in a trade during the season.
What I’ve Heard- As Dorion said last week, they wanted to get the Lehner deal done first and will now turn their attention to Anderson. Now talking to him doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll get something done. Ottawa is not going to pay more than the $3,187,500 Andy made on his last deal and instead, is probably hoping he would take a little less.
What I Predict- The Senators make an offer on a short term deal at a lower cap hit than what he’s making right now. Anderson’s camp says they’d rather wait it out. Anderson plays well this season and draws interest on the trade market.
Marc Methot
What I Want- I like Marc Methot. He’s an important piece on the blue line right now and other than Erik Karlsson, is probably the best all-around defenceman on the team. I like the idea of Methot sticking around long term but worry how high that cap hit ends up being. The 29 year old will be looking for a raise on the $3 mil he’s currently making ($3.75 in real dollars) but I certainly wouldn’t want to go much higher than $4 mil a season.
What I’ve Heard- Of the four guys on this list, he is the most likely to resign. That’s the talk right now anyway. It’s interesting when you consider that there were actually some rumours about Methot being dealt during the season. There is no personal issue between player and coach but we know Methot and MacLean butted heads a couple times during the season. With that said, the two sides will be looking at a long term extension. Might Methot take a little lower cap hit in exchange for a longer term deal?
What I Predict- Expecting a long term extension that keeps Methot in his hometown for years to come. Additional term is traded for a little lower cap hit. I feel like this one could get done before the season starts.
Clarke MacArthur
What I Want- Like the rest of you, after one season of watching Clarke MacArthur, I want him here forever and ever. A versatile forward that plays well at both ends of the ice and who always seemed to say the right things off the ice. The underlying numbers all say great things about MacArthur too so I really have no issue with a long term deal here. I don’t hate the idea of watching what he can do in a contract year but it’s probably not worth the risk. Would be nice to have this dealt with before or during the season.
What I’ve heard- MacArthur wants to stay and the Senators want to keep him. Under Head Coach Paul MacLean, MacArthur has been an extremely important player which has been a refreshing change for CM16 after a couple seasons with Randy Carlyle. The two sides started to get serious about extension talks last week but nothing really imminent at this point.
What I Predict- I think he stays. Since his entry level deal, MacArthur has never had a contract longer than two years so a little term and stability would probably be appreciate at this point in his career. Probably looking at something in the $4 mil to $5 mil a season range. If his demands are any higher than $5 mil a season then the Senators might be forced to make a tough decision.
Bobby Ryan
What I Want- The Ottawa Senators need to lock Bobby Ryan up long term. Not only is he the most offensively gifted forward they have but they also gave up a ton to get him. It would help ease the tension in the fan base a little bit if they could retain a star player and show that there is a clear commitment to building a winner here in Ottawa. A big money contract for Bobby would certainly do that.
What I’ve heard- Lots. And the things I’ve heard haven’t always matched up, oddly enough. Seems to depend which side the info comes from. From the organization’s perspective, they feel like they can get this done. When Dorion spoke on the radio last week and said money isn’t an issue in retaining their players, I believe he was telling the truth. They have the money to retain guys but do they then also have the additional money needed to build a contending team? That’s the question Ryan will ask the Senators. He wants to stay. But he wants to see a team focused on winning. Talks with Ryan’s agent have gone well so far.
What I Predict- The Senators find a way to lock him up. It’s going to be for big term and big money but the Senators don’t really have much of a choice here. This feels like a crucial moment for the franchise and for a frustrated fan base. They need to see a star player that wants to play and win in Ottawa. I think Bobby Ryan signs a new contract because, well because the alternative scares me a little bit.
